Chelsea fans are expecting Reece James to be one of the first names on the teamsheet for England at the upcoming World Cup, although Wayne Rooney isn’t so convinced.
James has been a regular for the Three Lions since Thomas Tuchel became the manager, preferring him to a number of other top right-backs.
The Chelsea captain has the advantage of spending a number of years working with the German at Stamford Bridge, notably winning the Champions League in 2021.
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Wayne Rooney questions Reece James’ defensive abilities
James’ place in the side has often come at the expense of Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was left out of the last England squad completely.
Wayne Rooney was asked whether he felt James was the best option for England to play in that position because of his defensive abilities, after Roy Keane had shared he had doubts over that part of his game.
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-NOTTINGHAM FOREST
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The former striker told The Wayne Rooney Show that he also didn’t have complete faith in the Blues skipper defensively either.
He said: “Maybe, but Reece James isn’t the most defensive anyway, and I heard Roy Keane talk about this, and he’s right in terms of the lads who are in there. You wouldn’t say they’re the best defensively anyway, all of them. And I listened to him, he’s actually got a really good point.”
As well as Alexander-Arnold, England have former Chelsea academy star Tino Livramento as an option, as well as Arsenal’s Ben White.
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Reece James fitness update
Throughout Chelsea’s nightmare run of form in the Premier League, they have mostly been without James available due to injury.
The 26-year-old was back on the bench for the defeat to Nottingham Forest, although was an unused substitute as Levi Colwill made his own return from injury.
The Blues are likely prioritising the FA Cup final next weekend as the opportunity to start him for the first time as they manage his recovery.
This could see him remain on the bench again for Saturday’s trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool, opening up another opportunity for Malo Gusto to start.
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